Beach Bound

Just wanted to say farewell! We are finally headed to the east coast, and everyone is already anxious to be there. Of course, before we can enjoy the warm sun, ocean breeze and rolling waves, we must first survive the 16+ hour drive to get there. We are leaving after work today and driving through the night (stopping if necessary). We are headed to Savannah, Georgia first to visit my lifetime friend Natalie for a couple days, then moving a couple hours north to Charleston, South Carolina to spend next week on the beach with our best friends Brooke and Steven and baby Ava. I love family vacations and hope that we continue to keep the tradition throughout the kids' lives. Keep us in your prayers-we always need it! We'll see you after Memorial Day! Have a great week!
Here's a picture from our first family trip to Charleston in 2006...what was it like to just have two kids???

This is our family trip to San Francisco in 2008.

My How Time Flies!

I can't believe its been nearly three months since I have updated our blog. We no longer have internet at our house making it much more difficult to post pictures, not to mention the fact that life has been going by all too quickly. William is finishing up his K-4 year at Shiloh and is registered to attend Lowell Elementary next fall for kindergarten. He is really excited about his new school and all the new friends he will make. He also starts t-ball in June and is anxious for it to begin. I have to admit I am pretty excited too. It is the first sport we have participated in, and I know he will be "awesome"(as he says)! Kate had her first "real" sleepover last week with her friend Addie and had a great time. She is already getting excited about turning four and having her best friends (Addie 1, Addie 2, Kimberly, and Emily) come to her birthday party...mommy's not sure what all that will entail yet! Eli just celebrated his 2nd birthday and gets more vocal and loud every day. His facial expressions and comments keep Nate and I thoroughly entertained. Eli's birthday was extra special this year because the Kilpatrick's came to visit and celebrate too. We enjoyed spending time with them, especially a fun day at Silver Dollar City. Last but certainly not least, Baby Brown #4 is officially a surprise. We had our 20 week ultrasound in April and everything looked normal. We got to see the heart beating, mouth moving, legs kicking, arm up by head, and, as requested, no boy/girl parts. I am so proud of myself for not cheating!(It's a first!) I will be 6 months this Sunday, getting that much closer to September 1st, every week! Our good friends Brooke and Steven had there little girl on April 29th and we are headed to South Carolina for 10 days! We leave next Thursday and have rented a house on Folly Beach for that following week. The entire family is excited about relaxing on the beach with our friends, not to mention the great seafood and southern charm that's in store! Well, I guess that gets you caught up. I will do my best to get some pictures up very soon. Have a great week!

Heartbeat (Singular)

We got to hear the heartbeat of our newest family member today and yes, there was only one! Nate has been really nervous about the possibility of twins and was quite relieved when the doctor confirmed he heard a single baby heartbeat. The doctor's visit was pretty standard; my blood work came back and everything was fine and the baby's heartbeat sounded strong-always a relief! I had forgotten how fun it is to simply hear it beat. We're so thankful it's going strong.

On another note, my sister-in-law, Rachel has just moved back to Northwest Arkansas and is continuing her photography business in our area. She started her business in California and has taken some amazing pictures. If you need any pictures, please take a look at her website and give her a call.

Rachel Blackwell Photography

Quick & Painless!

I was tagged by my lovely friend Kari Beth. Its quick and easy, so I thought I would give it a go. It is the 6th picture in your 6th folder tag. I promised myself I would be honest and luckily its nothing too incriminating.

I don't know why the image is so small, but it is a picture I took after I had Eli. I was trying to get a cute picture of all three of them that I could frame, but ended up with this lovely mug shot...where is my sister-in-law when I need her. Well, that wasn't too bad. Now I tag...
Kate
Brooke
Sarah R.
Alissa
Ashley
Robyn

Explanation

I apologize for my lack of blogging. Some of you may have given up on me, but for those of you who still give the Brown's an occasional glance, I promise to upload some pictures soon. As always, we have been busy bees, running here and there. We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years filled with family and good friends. The kids received way too many toys, but loved every minute of it. Nate got me a great new camera that I have used quite a bit, however, I have yet to sit down at the computer and upload the new viewing software--my goal is to do it this weekend. We've had a few days of the typical winter illnesses: ear infections, colds and coughs, but nothing too serious. Will got his cast off right before Christmas and was very concerned that he wouldn't grow new skin to replace the dead skin that lurked beneath the cast. He has been quite pleased with his "new arm" and can't wait to use it to go down the fire pole...yeah. During the warm front that came through the area, we were able to go on a family bike ride at Lake Fayetteville. Nate rides around the lake all the time, but it was my first time to go up there. We did the paved trails (of course) with Nate and Will leading the pack while Eli (who rode on my bike) and I kept a nice, brisk pace and Kate brought up the rear-slow and steady, steady and slow; thats the way she always goes! It was a lot of fun, and I look forward to going again this spring...oh, did I forget to mention...I'm pregnant!

Home Sweet Home

Every year the kids look forward to making a gingerbread house. They were all big helpers in the construction phase, however our candy inventory for the project was a little low due to some off the clock snacking. I took a handful of candy out of both their pockets later that night. Even Eli got in on the fun this year, he liked to sniff everything.


Our masterpiece!

Over Thanksgiving, we got to see my brother and sister-in-law. They are both great with the kids and somehow have energy to play non stop. Needless to say, they are favorites around our house, and we always hate to see them go.

Help!

Last night, I was beckoned from the other room by a sweet cry for help from Kate. This is what I found...Her explanation was "Mommy, I'm stuck. I think my bobo's not little anymore." I couldn't help but laugh.